T. R. Smith, comp. Poetica Erotica: Rare and Curious Amatory Verse. 1921–22.
Advice to a Lady
By Matthew Prior (1664–1721)(From Poems, 1722) PHILLIS, give this humour over, | |
| We too long have time abused; | |
| I shall turn an errant rover, | |
| If the favour’s still refused. | |
| Faith! ’tis nonsense out of measure, | 5 |
| Without ending thus to see | |
| Women forced to taste a pleasure | |
| Which they love as well as we. | |
| Let not pride and folly share you, | |
| We were made but to enjoy; | 10 |
| Ne’er will age or censure spare you, | |
| E’er the more for being coy. | |
| Never fancy Time’s before you, | |
| Youth, believe me, will away; | |
| Then, alas! who will adore you, | 15 |
| Or to wrinkles tribute pay? | |
| All the swains on you attending | |
| Show how much your charms deserve; | |
| But, miser-like, for fear of spending, | |
| You amidst your plenty starve. | 20 |
| While a thousand freer lasses, | |
| Who their youth and charms employ, | |
| Though your beauty their’s surpasses, | |
| Live in far more perfect joy. | |